Fisherman’s Day activities move to Kingstown

Activities for Fisherman’s Day 2009 will take place in capital Kingstown this year.

Angus Dennie, Public Relations Officer of the Fisherman’s Day Committee, said the event, which takes place on Monday, June 1, 2009, will culminate with the landing of fish at the Kingstown Fisheries Complex, followed by a prize- giving ceremony at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Bay Street Car Park.{{more}}

Dennie disclosed that the venue was changed from Calliaqua to Kingstown this year because most of the fishermen participating in the competition are drawn from the capital and they believe it is easier to moor their boats in that area.

He said several activities will be staged leading up to the grand finale. These activities will be executed under the theme: ‘Sustainable Fisheries for Food Security’ with a slogan ‘Fish Wisely, Increase Prosperity’.

On April 30th, 2009, the first ‘Fish Nite’ was held at Barrouallie. This is being followed by a similar ‘Fish Nite’ event at Georgetown tonight.

The activities will continue with an Investment Forum, which will be held between May 18 and 22nd, 2009, with the main objectives being offering value to products, using trawlers for deep sea fishing, and stimulating interest in boat building. The Fisheries Division will also host Japan Day on Friday, May 22, and Saturday, May 23, 2009, a Beach Clean Up on May 23, 2009, and a church service on Sunday, May 24, 2009, at the Calliaqua Anglican Church.

“The boats taking part in the competition will be blessed and a procession will take place from the Fisheries Complex to the Calliaqua Anglican Church for the service,” said Dennie.

Other activities which will take place before the month long event comes to a close include a Beach Seine Competition from Monday, May 25th to May 29th, the final Fish Nite at Calliaqua on Friday, May 29, and a Junior and Female Fishing Competition on Saturday, May 30, 2009.

Dennie used the opportunity to disclose that the individual adjudged Fisherman of the Year will be awarded a 75-horse power four stroke engine. He gave the assurance that that type of engine is very economical on fuel.

“I want to make an appeal to the fisherfolk community to register with the National Insurance Services. It is for their own good,” said Dennie, adding that it provides assistance to registered members when sickness and death come.(HN)